State’s children need Jessica’s Law enacted

Published: Friday, Jan. 31, 2014 1:15 a.m. CDT

By Jimmie C. Austin
Dixon

Some time ago, state Sen. Tim Bivins was our organization’s speaker. We thought having a local senator speak would help him get his message out about where he stands on the military, and the love and support our service personnel deserve. I thought he did a very good job.

So, I asked him why Illinois, I think one of only three states, doesn’t have “Jessica’s Law” for sexual assault for children? He said he was putting together a bill that was just as good. Not.

I still see in the paper where child molesters and priests are given a slap on the wrist; most as second- or more-time offenders. Why?

This “as good as law” is not. First-time offenders should go to jail 60 years minimum – not a second or third time to molest little, helpless victims of the most horrendous crime, second only to murder.

I think a new law “Jessica’s Law” should be put in force in Illinois. I also think anyone convicted of domestic violence and rape should get similar sentencing. As my mother used to say, “It doesn’t take much of a man to hurt or rape a woman.”

Come on, people, get on the band wagon and demand that our senators and representatives protect the children and women. It doesn’t speak well of a state that doesn’t protect its vulnerable ones. Write your representatives and get new laws enacted.

One more thing. This paper should print Jessica’s Law and Mr. Bivins’ law, and let the voters see how ill it is failing our children. This paper is doing a very good job in letting “all” people voice their opinions as our national Constitution allows.

Thanks again. Let’s get Illinois out of the gutter. Worst in the nation.